A new drive-up 'coffee' kiosk is being place near me, and the installation has piqued my curiosity. In this thread, I'd like yo get a discussion going, one that goes beyond the simple 'what's wrong here' type of discussion.

Here's an overall view of the kiosk:

I'd like to open the blog by discussing the service. Mt first question to the audience is: would you allow the kiosk to be served directly by an overhead drop, or would you treat it like a mobile home, and require a pedestal be set?

Please note that the kiosk is simply sitting on the parking lot, and is not anchored in any way.

Our local codes require it to be permanently achored and you must own the land to place a meter on a mobile home. I wouldn't think that this would meet those requirements. Also, our poco would require some kind of secondary support(wires, etc)on that mast head.

Is that a an old footing around the right side or has something been trenched in?

I am going to be drawing some references from two widely scattered locations: one in serious mountain / quake country, and another in a rural flatland on the fringe of hurricane country. If I had to, I would guess you're based in one of those heavily developed areas that simply don't want trailers, period. In any event, I'd look at more than just the NEC for guidance on this issue.

I see that Article 550 of the NEC, "Mobile Homes," does have buildings such as this one covered within its' scope (550.4). I also see that the NEC does allow for a permanent power connection (550.10A and I), and does not set any conditions (such as anchoring the building). Of interest also is that the NEC appears to limit service to 'non dwelling unit' mobile homes to 60-amps; that could be a problem for a commercial kiosk.

The NVEnergy standards also call for protective barriers (bollards) where there is a danger of impact. I don't know about landlords in your areas, but I suspect property owners get nervous when you start punching holes in the parking lot and sinking bollards. (As if that trench they're digging isn't disruptive enough!).

Personally, I don't know where I stand on the matter. That kiosk can be readily shifted about simply by a snow plow pushing piles of snow about- or a distracted driver. Then again, a fixed pole or pedestal can also be hit - and you still have to make that final connection to the kiosk.

Scheineman ... that's a good observation, and I promise that the mast will be discussed once we've decided whether any sort of permanent service is appropriate.=

Good eye, Hotline ... yes, there is another service serving the sign. The sign is not associated with the kiosk. As you may have guessed, I spent some time removing any identifying names, etc., from the picture.`

I see what you mean about the GEC. Yes, that appears to be just a meter pan, with the disco in the can to the left. I'll see if I can open things up and have a look.

(Simple fact is, it's been so long since I installed a simple meter base I've forgot they exist!)

I wouldn't classify them as a modular home or trailer. Barring, local ordinances, How would you wire in like a job trailer? Why would you have some one chop up a parking lot for a "temporary" building? Bollards only if the service was in close proximity to traffic.